A pre-owned Textron Aviation Cessna Citation Sovereign is to join Amref Flying Doctors’ fleet of Cessna Citation aeromedical aircraft. It is expected to arrive in Nairobi, Kenya, in September 2021, for use as an air-ambulance.
“Continuing to be the supplier of choice for air ambulance emergency services in Africa is testament to the Cessna Citation’s performance, especially when each minute matters,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president of special-mission sales for Textron Aviation. “The spacious cabin of the Sovereign comfortably accommodates a multiple stretcher system and the necessary additional onboard medical staff. The Citation Sovereign’s range increases the Amref Flying Doctor’s non-stop reach throughout Africa, Europe and Asia.”
The operator also selected Textron Aviation’s ProParts programme to cover the airframe systems and avionics parts required for line, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance.
“The Cessna Sovereign was an easy choice for Amref Flying Doctors when looking to expand our aviation capability and capacity, so as to support our international, long-distance air ambulance operations,” said Mike Black, chief operating officer for Amref Flying Doctors. “Patient care and comfort is key to maintaining Amref Flying Doctors’ internationally recognised aeromedical service levels, which are perfectly addressed by the Cessna Sovereign’s cabin and its operating capabilities. In addition to acquiring the right aircraft, Textron Aviation did everything to assist with reconfiguring the aircraft for its dedicated air ambulance role at its Orlando, Florida, service centre as quickly and professionally as possible.”
Amref Flying Doctors is a leading provider of fixed-wing air ambulance operations in Africa, Europe and Asia. Serving the aeromedical transport industry for more than 60 years, it is a long-time operator of Beechcraft and Cessna fixed-wing aircraft. The organisation has a worldwide reach and is based at and operates from Wilson Airport in Nairobi.
“It was a pleasure working with the professionals at Amref Flying Doctors and Textron Aviation to create a customised medical evacuation configured aircraft that will expand and enhance Amref’s life-saving operations,” said Jim Evans, Africair CEO. “Africair and Textron Aviation are committed to providing excellent customer support and we will work diligently to ensure that the Citation Sovereign exceeds Amref Flying Doctors’ expectations.”
